Review of End Times At Ridgemont High by Ian Welke

Welke’s unique imagination has crafted a novel that pulls you right into its pages with a savage gravity that won’t let go, leaving you begging for more. The pace is frenetic whilst never losing the people—not characters—only he can create. These people are based loosely on those poor scamps from the film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. But that is where the similarities end. To say this book was a breath of fresh air would be an understatement.

At times humorous and terrifying—Welke’s voice is truly the standout. As a devotee of the “weird tale” and, especially Lovecraft, this is one of the best novels I’ve read that has any semblance of Lovecraft. Again, Welke’s unique voice acts as the perfect glue to the components of this tale, leaving the more over-used Lovecraftian elements behind in favor of his own creations.

Evelyn and her friends see that things are changing in town…both figuratively and literally. With a nod to some of the best episodes of The Twilight Zone, the people find their town is not what it seems: the new church, children wearing “uniforms”, and a massive increase in violence, convinces Evelyn they must take action. It’s that simple, folks. But that only belies Welke’s skills as a writer, and the intricate sub-plots.

I wish more writers were as entertaining as Welke. Rarely am I actually entertained, which is one of the highest compliments I can give. Welke’s a stand-out writer with a vast range rarely found in any genre. His writing career is destined to be a long one. Oh! And lookout for that ending! It’s a doozy no one will see coming.